True North strong and free

July 1st marks Canada Day, the national holiday of Canada. It's a statutory holiday (apart from the staff at Tim Horton's) meaning I don't feel guilty taking the day off. This year is Canada's 147th birthday i.e. when Canada ceased to be a British colony (well, when New Brunswick & Nova Scotia joined Ontario and Quebec) and the Dominion of Canada was brought into existence. Newfoundland didn't actually join the Confederation until 1949, but that's by the by. It's still the day when Canada was born.

Being the most easterly province Newfoundland has the honour of being the first place in the country to ring in Canada Day, something the island takes great pride in. Every year there is a sunrise ceremony and this year I decided to attend. This meant waking up at 4am (I've been going to bed at this time the last couple weeks...) and hiking up to Signal Hill. This was a particular risk this year, as the last couple days have seen fog clinging to the coast and ruining the view for intrepid hikers. Nonetheless, armed with a Monster energy drink, I raced across town and up the hill.

I managed to get there just on time as the sun appeared over the horizon. I quickly pulled out my camera and set up for a time lapse of the sunrise, and it was beautiful.

The sun peeking out as I arrived.

Delightful reflections on the water.

Cabot Tower bathed in a red glow.

I had to adjust settings a couple times as I was taking my time lapse, which meant that it didn't show a smooth transition, so I will go back and take another at some point when I can take more time. I'm going a bit time lapse crazy since I learnt how to do it, so hopefully practice makes perfect.

A great crowd had developed by the time 6am rolled round, and our spirits were kept up in the cold by the Sun Parlour Pipes & Drums who were visiting from Ontario. Nothing like bagpipes first thing in the morning to wake you up. The ceremony was led by Parks Canada and various representatives and dignitaries were present, all of whom continually assured us that the sun and clear skies we were experiencing were very much out of the ordinary for Canada Day. I must be a lucky mascot.

As well as July 1st being Canada Day, in Newfoundland & Labrador it is also Memorial Day, the commemoration day for WWI. It is held on this day specifically to recall the losses of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the first day of the Battle of the Somme. 780 men went bravely forward at Beaumont-Hamel. Only 68 were available for roll call the following day.

Piping away with icebergs floating in the background.

Representative of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Bugler from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

One of the WWI reenactors that works at Signal Hill.

Newfoundland flag.

A maple leaf adorns the top of the pipers banner.

Whilst upon Signal Hill I saw one of my friends from school, who asked me "What are you doing up here?" As a Brit it did seem odd that I would put in the effort to celebrate another country's holiday. I'm a tourist and a patriot to whatever country I reside in. This was a way of thanking Canada for letting me into this beautiful country. While my stay may only be temporary there is something about this place that will make me claim to be partly Canadian for the rest of my days. And no, that's not just so I have someone else to cheer on in sports :P 

The rest of day was a typical Canada Day affair. A group of friends, hanging outside (we were by a lake), having a BBQ, having some beers and generally having a good time. Despite my factor 60 sunscreen I managed to go a little more rouge, adding to my English Rose look, but it was totally worth it. A lovely day of fun in the sun. Happy birthday Canada.

I've made a little video of my timelapse attempt to the soundtrack of O Canada as played by the pipe band. My little personal thankyou to Canada. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/kEVzGin1Gx4